Profile

Kasie's Profile

Location:

Pensacola, FL 32514 - United States of America

About Me:

July 25th 2005-I can remember it like it was yesterday.

I was still waking up from the 9 hour procedure which made the
diagnoses that I did have cancer. I remember my mom telling me the
news as I sat there not knowing what to think. I didn't cry, I knew
it would upset my mom more than she already was, so I just sat
there with a blank stare. About a week later I started radioactive
Iodine treatments. I had to be in complete isolation; no family, no
friends, and no walking outside of my room. I was miserable for 8
days with out seeing anyone. Even the nurses had to wear big metal
gowns to walk in my room since I was so "toxic". I had never in my
life felt so alone. Not only because I was locked in a hospital
room physically alone but mentally I knew no one my age going
through the disease that I could call up and talk to. I felt
fatigued, nauseous and barely had a full nights sleep without
waking up and getting sick. I went in to remission after treatments
and the next year in 2006 I had to have my yearly cancer scan to
make sure no cancer had returned. The scan was a week process and
the results took a couple days but the news I received was horrible
timing. My mother was out of town and it was the Monday of
homecoming week when I received the message telling me I needed to
pack my bags and come straight to the hospital to start treatments
again. I went in for another round of radioactive iodine and this
time the process took way longer. After treatments were over I went
back to school and my yearly cancer scans have been clear ever
since.

Cancer is a horrible disease that is affecting more and more
children ever year. Its something that has changed my everyday life
in so many ways. Its given me a different perspective of life,
showed me how precious our time on earth is, and given me so much
determination to make a difference and help others in need. After
becoming very involved with the different charities in my area and
also traveling the country sharing my story and speaking to help
raise money for a cause I really wanted to focus on helping
children fighting life threatening illnesses. Now I run my non
-profit organization helping kids with cancer. Nothing is more
rewarding than being able to lift the spirits of a child who is
going through a hard time and having to face a life threatening
illness.